Bucks and Berks move into Tier 3

Changes mean bars and restaurants will shut

The Royal Borough will move into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions tomorrow (Saturday) as the whole of Berkshire prepares for life in the ‘Very High’ aler t category.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs in the House of Commons on Thursday that cases in the South-east were ‘up 45 per cent in the last week’, before announcing it would be ‘necessary’ to apply Tier 3 controls across this region.

Both Berkshire and Buckinghamshire were included in this assessment, with the new rules set to take effect from 12.01am on Saturday, December 19.

Changes include pubs and other hospitality businesses – such as cafes – closing once again except for takeaways; a limit on outdoor mixing, and a shutout of supporters at sports games.

Theatres – including Theatre Royal in Windsor – must also shut, as well as other indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys.

People will still be able to get their haircut, with ‘personal care’ allowed under Tier 3 rules.

Royal Borough leader Cllr Andrew Johnson said in a statement that he is ‘concerned about the damage Tier 3 will do’ after the bor

ough was moved into the category as of this weekend.

He also urged people to use caution ahead of a relaxing of rules at Christmas, saying COVID-19 is an 'unwanted gift you can't return'.

“I am particularly concerned about the damage Tier 3 will do to local businesses across the Royal Borough and we will continue to do all we can to support them, as a council, but we also hope you’ll help by using them – albeit safely,” he said.

“We’re disappointed that we have been moved into Tier 3. It’s not what we wanted, but Government considers the rates in our neighbouring authorities in its analysis.”

He added: “Don’t give COVID-19 this Christmas – it’s the unwanted gift you can’t return.”

There were 62 new cases of COVID-19 in the borough yesterday (Thursday), with the latest rate per 100,000 figure standing at 152.6 as of the week ending December 12.

Speaking to the Express yesterday (Thursday), the council’s health lead, Cllr

Stuart Carroll, echoed that the news was ‘disappointing’.

“At a national level there is a broader concern about the virus spreading far and wide and they [the Government] are looking at broader geographical areas,” he said.

“But it is disappointing. We very much wanted to stay in Tier 2 because we are aware of the impact this has on local business.”

Cllr Carroll added he ‘deeply sympathises’ with the position businesses are in and that the arts, culture and charitable sector would also need to be supported during another difficult time for them.

He also urged people to make contact virtually with others who may be struggling with the news.

“Contact is really important, even if it can’t be physical,” he said.

When asked whether the borough could get through another period of disruption, Cllr Carroll said: “I am confident we can get through it. I do think we have seen an incredible community resolve, whether that is volunteering, people looking out for one another.”

Cllr Carroll added that conversations are taking place between all five local authorities in Berkshire about the next steps, as it seeks a way to move back down to Tier 2.

“There is already that cooperation and collaboration,” he said.